Anna Ruth Coates Wallen, 92, of Weaverville, North Carolina, went to heaven on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020. She was born in Madison County, North Carolina, on March 21, 1928, to Abram L. Coates, Sr. and Pattie Rice Coates.

A graduate of Cecil’s Business College, Ann was the secretary for many years at Camp Sequoyah, a prestigious private boys’ summer camp located in the mountains of Weaverville. In the beginning, she had the pleasure of being employed by the camp’s founder, Mr. C. Walton Johnson. After the camp closed in the late 1970s, she held fond memories of her tenure there as one of the highlights of her life.

A member of Merrimon Avenue Baptist Church, Ann was active in the Senior Citizens Group for as long as her health would permit. She loved traveling with Christian Tours; one of the highlights was a trip to Nova Scotia.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Gary Wallen, Sr.; brothers, A.L., Paul, Harold, and Farold; sisters, Clara Ramsey, Portia Davis, and Pauline Phillips; and her beloved grandson, Justin Abram Wallen. She is survived by her son, Robert Gary Wallen, Jr. and wife Eleanor; daughter Janet Fawcett and husband Jon; grandchildren Robby Wallen (Luana), Rachel Marin, Spencer Wallen (Jill), Jonathan Fawcett (Keeli), and Emily Fawcett Henson (Matt); and several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A special note of appreciation to our friends who continued to show love and concern for our mother, known to many as Nanny, and for us during this difficult time. Your prayers, calls, and texts served as a great source of comfort and strength.

Blue Ridge Funeral Service of Mars Hill is assisting the family.

*All obituaries are submitted by family and friends of the deceased.

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